La Collection

About the museum

The museum was born from a local initiative: at the end of 1947, residents passionate about heritage founded the association “Les Amis du Vieux Bouillon”. In 1951 a first museum opened under the name Musée ducal, in the former residence of the governor of the duchy. Its first exhibition, devoted to history and folklore, brought together objects from the everyday life, crafts and beliefs of the Ardennes.

When it became too small, the museum moved in 1958 to the Hôtel Spontin, built around 1714 by a councillor of the sovereign court of the duchy, very close to the first building. There it developed a department of medieval art devoted to Godefroid de Bouillon and the First Crusade. The collections grew through purchases, gifts, bequests and deposits: Limoges enamels, Gothic ivories, an opening Virgin from the early fourteenth century, a series of Eastern ceramics from the ninth to the thirteenth century, prints from the Société typographique de Bouillon in the eighteenth century, regional paintings, weapons and ironwork.

Both buildings are listed. For the institution’s 75th anniversary, the Musée ducal changed its name in 2026 to become La Collection. The museum announces gradual works to modernise its interpretation tools and develop its digital offer.

Highlights

• Medieval art with Limoges enamels, Gothic ivories and an opening Virgin from the early 14th century
• Collection of Eastern art (9th–13th century), presented as unique in Wallonia
• Section devoted to Godefroid de Bouillon and the Duchy of Bouillon
• Bouillon prints of the 18th century from the Société typographique de Bouillon
• Two listed buildings: the Hôtel Spontin and the former residence of the governor of the duchy

Permanent exhibitions

• Godefroid de Bouillon et l'art médiéval – Route devoted to the Middle Ages and the First Crusade, with Limoges enamels, Gothic ivories, an opening Virgin and a collection of Eastern ceramics.
• Duché de Bouillon et imprimerie au XVIIIe siècle – Historical section on the Duchy of Bouillon in the 17th and 18th centuries and on the publishing work of the printer Pierre Rousseau, with weapons, paintings and ironwork.
• Histoire et folklore – Objects from everyday life, work and customs in the Ardennes, presented in the former residence of the governor of the duchy.

Founded

1951

Operated by

Musée communal de Bouillon (association Les Amis du Vieux Bouillon)

Admission & discounts

There is no separate ticket for the museum: entry is with the City Pass (12 November to 31 March: €12 adult, €9.50 child aged 4 to 12 and student) or the City Pass + (1 April to 11 November: €16 / €12). Both passes also give access to the castle fort, the Scriptura museum and the Bouillon Medieval Experience. Until 11 November 2026, the City Pass + therefore applies. The passes have no time limit and are not personal.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The museum is designed to be visited alone or as a family. For schools, the “Ah ! les chevaliers” visit is for children aged 7 and over.

Getting there & parking

The museum occupies two buildings near Place Ducale. Section 1: from Place Ducale, take the steps of the town hall; the museum is on the left. Section 2: from Place Ducale, turn left towards Rue du Petit; the entrance is on the right. From the castle esplanade, go down the stairs behind the town hall. The castle fort is about 5 minutes’ walk away.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop with free access, entrance through the Pierre-Rousseau courtyard, next to the town hall; bank cards accepted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit